Engineering - computer / electrical

In large health data sets, researchers may want to classify individuals into important groups, such as risk groups, based on multiple important variables from various different data resources. Different groups may warrant different, targeted interventions. Combining different data sources to classify individuals with the highest risks and needs can provide health officials an objective way of targeting scarce health care resources. Since each individual would have variables from multiple data sources, determining the key features that can be used to classify individuals into groups requi

Current intraoperative surgical navigation techniques are time consuming, may involve radiation and most importantly, are only able to account for patient motion during surgery a few times. The research project will focus on the development of an optical imaging device capable of capturing topographical images of exposed anatomical structures within the surgical field. These images in combination with CT and MRI data will guide the surgeon in the placement of devices such as screws within the spine.

Amorphous selenium direct detection X-ray detectors coupled to amorphous silicon readout circuits provide the best spatial resolution and are the leading technology for the worldwide breast cancer imaging market. However, they are relatively slow and noisy leading to higher X-ray dose requirements for the emerging and highly accurate modality of 3D breast imaging. We plan to develop high speed, low noise digital imagers that can leverage the spatial resolution advantages of existing a-Se detector technology. The results of this research will help create a product that can directly benefi

Many governments have mandated that conventional incandescent light bulbs be phased out and replaced with fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) to conserve energy and reduce cost. However, in dimming applications, incandescent are still preferable to CFLs due to superior performance and compatibility with standard dimmer switches. The circuit developed by the proposed research will allow consumers to experience the same dimming performance with CFLs as with incandescent, with no change to existing lighting wiring and dimming hardware. The proposed circuit is highly efficient, cost effective and

Modern society has come to depend significantly on its wireless communication systems. However, the technologies for wireless communication still need to be improved further to satisfy the demands for higher capacity and higher data rates. In vehicular wireless communication systems, one of the key issues is the design of compact antennas while providing wideband performance. This project focuses on novel antenna design achieving very wide bandwidth or multi-band multi-functional performance, compact configuration, omni-directional radiation pattern and ease of fabrication.

Since the advent of Subway operations, the task of inspecting and repairing track, signals, and related wayside infrastructure has been essential to safely move millions of people every day. It has also been one of the most hazardous jobs in the railway industry. Accordingly, Bombardier is considering Roadway Worker Protection to be a priority. The new technology, called TrackSafe, is a turnkey solution developed by Bombardier in partnership with the McMaster RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) Applications Lab to create improved location awareness to track workers and train operators

For this project, we will be improving a novel magnetic resonance (MRI) and ultrasound (US) imaging platform, which will improve diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer patients. A specialized MRI-US tool has been developed by Sentinelle Medical Inc.

Incorporating a head-mounted display (HMD) into a high-performance sport goggle involves many technical challenges. Optically, the microdisplay must be magnified to a comfortable size for viewing, and the image must be shown in an area of the goggles that does not detract from the main field of view. This means that the magnifying assembly must be as small, lightweight, and unobtrusive as possible, but still maintain excellent visual fidelity. The focus of this research will be to produce the smallest, most cost-effective optical device that fulfills these requirements.

The use of plasma torches enables the gasification of waste into clean energy without producing any secondary residue. Because of the extremely high temperatures produced by plasma torches (more than 5,000 to 10,000 degrees Celsius depending on the type of gas used), the design of plasma torches and reactors presents new technological challenges to designers. Computer modelling of the plasma jet and gasification reactor will provide the basic data required for designing new equipment.